D-R athlete Kyle Arieta enjoys special day at Gillette Stadium

FOXBORO — It was all about Dighton-Rehoboth senior student-athlete Kyle Arieta on Thursday.

The Falcon football and track and field star was invited to a special day at Gillette Stadium by the Kraft Family and the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation.

Last year, Arieta was diagnosed and treated for a brain tumor, stemming from a blockage near his brain. Months later, he returned to the gridiron for his senior season of football after undergoing a surgery last May.

Little did Arieta know, his favorite football player — Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones — would pay him and his entire family a special visit.

“Unbelievable,” Arieta said. “Nothing what I expected. I couldn’t asked for anything more.”

Jones himself was touched by Arieta’s comeback and story.

“It’s remarkable ... phenomenal,” Jones said. “For him to overcome what he had, that just shows how strong he is to come back and even play again. To see him back to his normal self, it’s just great.”

“It’s absolutely amazing to see the New England Patriots care about the people in the community and their fans,” Arieta said. “Just awesome. I’m speechless.”

Arieta and his family were taken on the field for pictures.

Jones then snuck up during a photo session and presented Arieta with a gift bag.

He then autographed a football and presented it to Arieta.

“Just the impact I could have on him, I enjoyed every minute of it,” Jones said. “I was probably more excited seeing him than he was with me.”

Jones was also touched by Arieta’s support toward him.

“It feels good,” Jones said. “When I walked out here and saw him wearing my jersey, I was happy. For me, just going into to my third year and supporting a high school athlete like Kyle is a great feeling.”

Arieta and his family were then treated to a visit at the Patriots Hall of Fame.

On a picture perfect day, he was smiling for ear-to-ear.

“Football kept me going,” Arieta said. “I knew my senior year was coming up in football and I needed to be on the field for my teammates.”

The young man has come a long way indeed.

Jones had this final word to say about Arieta.

“It just shows how strong he is — mentally, spiritually and physically,” Jones said. “I’m happy for him and proud of him.”